Describe your reasons for selecting this particular recording. Explain why you believe this recording could be effective with students.

I chose this particular song cause I like the beat and title. It seems to be a happy upbeat song that would be great to use with students in the classroom during a groups activity or independent work (art work maybe) where students need to move at a quicker pace. A song like this would be good to motivate students and keep them active and moving. I think the type of song could really bring out students creativity cause it makes you want to get up an move around. It would stimulate the brain.- Janine


I think the title is eye catching for students, Kitten on the Keys. It would make them curious to how it sounded. It would be useful for when students are learning about the early 1900’s. They could hear pieces of music from the era and evaluate them. They could use the SEA or NARA method to evaluate the music. It would be interesting to see what students come up with when evaluating the music. They could even predict what the music was used for and compare it to the music they listen to today.- Tina

The recording could be used to study and analyze a variety of topics within one class. Students could be studying the technological developments of audio recordings. They would also be be learning about one of the great inventors of all time - Edison and they could discover the powerful impact and influence of music during the 1920's. - Gloria

Describe at least 5 ways the recording you selected could be used in the classroom. Try to expand ideas for different subject areas and/or grade levels. For each lesson idea, include a brief description of how this activity could help promote critical thinking skills in students.


-Students could listen to the recording and list words they think of when they hear the music.
-They can discuss how the music makes them feel. Students could then bring in music from home that evokes the same feelings and compare the music. Students could compare and contrast the music and discuss why the music makes them feel a certain emotion and why.
- The teacher could play this song and then play another piano piece that is currently on the market. Make sure it is just a piano playing and no words like Kitten on the Keys. Have students listen to both and have them identify which is the current recording and which was the recording from 1921. Why did they reach this conclusion? What evidence do they have? Ask students to research why the earlier recording had the crackling sounds in the background.

Students would be using critical thinking skills when they are evaluating and finding evidence to support their opinions. They will also be predicting and researching which all promotes critical thinking skills to help them grow as a learner.- Tina

-In a history class, the recording could be effectively used to show the historical development of audio recordings. Since the recording was in the 20's, it could be used to demonstrate the style of music within the Jazz Age. The recording could also be used as one element in describing the impact Edison had on America. As a primary source, students would have an opportunity to analyze the recording using NARA and/or SEA methods.- Gloria

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